“One might recall that I am a dragon,” he said, raising an eyebrow.
“Of course, but…” But at the moment, scarcely more than a wounded man, unarmed, pale and strange-smelling enough to draw all manner of attention…I bit my lip, and unbuckled the sword from my side. “This may be helpful, if a bear or wolf takes too pressing an interest in you.”
He took it, looking baffled. “You know I cannot use this.”
“It is simple enough. This end for holding, that end for stabbing.
The scabbard goes thus.” I helped him buckle it at his waist. “Will you be warm enough? The day is chilly.”
He huffed a gratuitously smoky laugh, and pressed scorching-hot hands to my shoulders. “Pray you tell me, shall I be warm enough?
Such a hen you are, Ariana! Rest easy; a dragon can withstand a few hours in the fore
